Cross-section of the paint layer

Content

A minute sample of paint was removed from the lower edge in the area of the reflected hair. A cross-section polish shows the structure of the paintwork: on the white ground coat is the flesh tone, a yellowish layer consisting of fine ochre, white and red pigments. On top of this, Vallotton painted the blue-grey layer of the hair. He used ready-prepared oil paints from tubes that were commercially available at the time.